You’ll find plenty of diagram apps for Mac; they come in all shapes and sizes. Tools like OmniGraffle 7 and Diagrams are great options if you’re going to create diagrams regularly and don’t mind spending a few bucks. And of course, online diagram makers like Lucidchart and Cacoo are also terrific, if you don’t mind a web-based tool.
But if you only plan to make a diagram occasionally and want a downloadable app so you can work offline, what are your options? We’ve listed some of the best free diagram apps for Mac available on the App Store. This lets you use a tool at no charge, before you spend your cash, and without an internet connection.
Free diagram apps for Mac
VisualDesigner
VisualDesigner is an excellent app to check out for your diagrams. You get an intuitive interface with tools on each side and your canvas front and center. Plus, you can collapse and expand the tools to see only those you need.
You’ll also enjoy features like snap to grid, drag to create a new object with a connector line, automatic alignment when you move or resize objects, path Boolean operations, import/export with versions of Microsoft Visio, and much more.
With VisualDesigner on Mac, you can use 70 items in your diagram before you must pay to unlock the standard features. So even though the designer has an in-app purchase, you have a lot of room to create a diagram before worrying about upgrading.
- Availability: Mac
- Cost: Free with an in-app purchase to unlock all limits and features
ClickCharts
What’s nice about ClickCharts is that you can start off with a template or example. This gives you a quick way to establish the base for your diagram. And you can pick from many options, from Venn and data flow diagrams to organizational charts and flowcharts.
The ClickCharts interface is similar to Office applications using a menu and ribbon of buttons at the top. You have your selection of tools on the left that you can expand and collapse per your needs. You’ll easily find the shapes, colors, and symbols you need, can quickly print your diagram, or save it as a PDF, PSD, or image.
ClickCharts offers free and paid versions of the app. So if you just need a simple diagram or two, you can certainly try before you buy anything more.
- Availability: Mac
- Cost: Free with a premium version to unlock all features
Flowchart Designer 3
If it’s a flowchart you want to make, Flowchart Designer 3 lets you create one easily along with other types of diagram like organizational and process charts.
Choose from 24 themes for a consistent appearance, use containers to organize your objects, group nodes to make complex shapes, and pull in images with drag-and-drop.
Flowchart Designer 3 is a terrific diagram creator for Mac. And the great thing about its in-app purchase is that it’s only if you want premium shapes. Otherwise, you can make a flowchart or similar diagram in just minutes.
- Availability: Mac
- Cost: Free with an in-app purchase for premium shapes
Wrapping it up
Depending on the type of diagram you need, remember that you can also create things like charts and graphs in Keynote on Mac. So that’s worth checking out too!
Hopefully you’ll find an app here that works out for your next diagram. And if you have a free diagram app for Mac that you’d like to recommend, please leave a comment below.